The St Mirren midfielder has become a key player for his club and has also successfully forced his way into Billy Stark's plans as the young Scots continue their Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign against Luxembourg.

They sit second in their group but securing a further six points from their final two matches against Luxembourg and Austria could prove invaluable as only the four best runners-up join the 10 group winners in the play-offs. "It's a massive year for myself," said the 20-year-old, who had been linked with a move to Burnley during the recent transfer window. "I feel after last season there is maybe more expectation on myself after doing well. So I need to keep the standards up and try to better last season.

"You just have to take everything in your stride. Confidence is a massive thing and when you're in the 21s it gives me a massive boost to my confidence I'm obviously playing every week for my club so I'm enjoying it."

Meanwhile, Steve Lomas hopes that Peter Pawlett will find his involvement with the Under-21s to be rewarding as his St Johnstone side prepare to face Celtic in the league after the international break. "Peter is away with the 21s for the Euro qualifiers," said Lomas, who signed the winger on loan from Aberdeen. "He should come back stronger."